A Delta Air Lines plane tire exploded, killing two people and seriously injuring a third at an airport in Atlanta.
The tire combusted as it was being removed in a maintenance area of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia shortly after 5am on Tuesday morning, multiple sources told WSB-TV.
A Delta employee and a contractor were killed, and a second Delta worker was hurt, sources told the TV station. The victims were not immediately identified.
‘The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility (TOC 3),’ stated the airline.
‘We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.’
Delta Air Lines thanked first responders for ‘the quick action’ and said they are working with local authorities on an investigation into what led to the explosion.
The aircraft’s tail number indicated that it touched down in Atlanta from Las Vegas on Sunday night, according to WSB-TV. The manufacturer and model of the plane was not immediately known.
Airport operations were not impacted by the incident.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stated: ‘I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees.
‘My thoughts are also with those who were injured, and I hope for their swift and full recovery.’
Dickens added that several agencies including the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and the police department were at the scene.
The Delta plane tire exploded a month-and-a-half after American Airlines Flight 590 had its wheel catch on fire as it accelerated for takeoff at Tampa International Airport. CCTV from the Florida airport showed the wheel of the Boeing 737 smoking and exploding on the tarmac, and abort its takeoff. None of the 174 passengers or six crew members on board were hurt.
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